The Infamous Carnival Questions

[Gills]

Hi all,
I'm planning to head to Brazil as part of my tour of South America this will be my second country I plan on visiting after Argentina.
I'm hoping to arrive in Brazil about a week before carnival starts which is on the 22nd February, can anyone give any recommendations for the following:

When is it best to arrive in Brazil for carnival?

Should I pre-book accomadation for the period of time carnival is on?

Where are some of the best places to experience the carnival?

I've heard mixed reviews about Rio carnival apparently everyone is put into a a large stadium rather than out on the streets is this true?

For me this is one of the events I have highlighted as a must do for my trip so I just dont want it to disappoint.

Many thanks

Andy

[Mark]

Hi Andy,

Carnival in Brazil is awesome! I stayed a few weeks in Salvador da Bahia and had the time of my life there. It's truly spectacular. I'm going to go over your questions one by one.

When is it best to arrive in Brazil for carnival?
In some parts of Brazil the 'blocos' (drum bands) practice in the streets weeks before Carnival. Arriving one week before carnival is fine.

Should I pre-book accomadation for the period of time carnival is on?
Yes. Finding a hostel is very difficult. Prices for accommodation go up big time as well. We have great hostels everywhere in Brazil. Check out room availability and prices.

Where are some of the best places to experience the carnival?
The 3 best places for carnival are Rio de Janeiro, Salvador da Bahia and Olinda. All of them offer a vey different carnival. In Rio it's a breathtaking show in the Sambodromo (big stadium). Salvador has carnival in the streets with blocos (drum bands playing great groovy African rhythms) and trio eletricos (trucks with artists performing). In Olinda carnival has yet another feel. You'll hear lots of frevo, forro and maracatu rhythms.

I've heard mixed reviews about Rio carnival apparently everyone is put into a a large stadium rather than out on the streets is this true?
Yes, it's true. Carnival is held in the Sambodromo, a huge stadium in Rio. The show itself is a breathtaking spectacle.

You'll have so much fun in Brazil! Enjoy the best party you'll ever have!

Best wishes,

Mark

[Gills]

I see what you mean about the prices it's crazy that costs fly up so much, I'm currently trying to book some accomodation but I'm seriously reconsidering entering Brazil around carnival as it will cost me anywhere between £300-£400 for a week in a hostel which really wasn't expected in my budget.

Does anyone have any suggestions on cheaper ways to do this?

[swami]

i am also on planning to go to Rio for the carnival , i m in LA and would like to know whats the best way to keep myself safe there and is a direct flight to RIO???

[swami]

where will u be flying from??? did u make your travel plans???

[Gills]

Hi Swami,
I'm flying from the UK next friday so I plan to be in Rio for the 15th Feb (accomodation dependant).

I think been safe in Rio is 80% common sense and 20% just been a little bit more aware of your surroundings:

Dont carry flashy items around in public - cameras, mp3 players, jewellery
Try and get a taxi to your evening destination rather than walking in the dark
Dont go into the favelas unless accompanied by a trusted tour guide.
Stay in the main tourist areas if you're by yourself and if you decide to go off the beaten trek tell someone where you are going and what you are doing!

I have most of my itinerary set for the countries I want to visit, I've decided that I want to do at least three of the main tourist attractions in each country and then just go with the flow on everything else.

[Mark]

Carnival in Brazil is just too impressive and too much fun. A once in a lifetime experience you'll never forget. Try to budget on other things but do your very best to go to Carnival. It's going to be one of the highlights of your trip.

Best wishes,

Mark

[Gills]

I'm all booked up for carnival!

I managed to find a hostel on Ilha Grande which was pretty cheap and can accomodate me & a friend for a week.

Although Ilha Grande isn't quite in Rio I'm just going to get the ferry across to Rio in the morning and spend an evening partying all the way through the night, as you said Mark it's just to much to miss out on!!

[Mark]

That's great news! Excellent! Keep us posted about carnival in Rio (share some pics too)!